Pictured above, Hip-Hop super-star T.I. Harris will participate in the 'Dreamkeepers Expo,' on August 28, 2012, the 49th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s 'I Have a Dream' speech. T.I. will take part in a discussion about the film, 'Walking with Guns,' in which he is featured and related issues following the 6:00 p.m. screening of the film.

Atlanta . . . On August 24th to the 28th The King Center, in cooperation with the Martin Luther King, Jr., National Historic Site and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, along with media partner Radio One, will present a unique program, ‘The 2012 Dreamkeepers Campout, Expo and Film Screening’ at venues in the MLK, Jr. National Historic Site and The King Center in Atlanta. The Dreamkeepers program will commemorate the 49th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech and the 1963 Great March on Washington. It is the premier event launching the year-long countdown to the 50th anniversary celebration of the “I Have a Dream” speech.

“We are excited by the four days of activities we have organized to commemorate my father’s “I Have a Dream” speech, in cooperation with the MLK, Jr. National Historic Site and the CDC,” said King Center CEO Bernice A. King in announcing The Dreamkeepers Program. “As we launch the year-long countdown to the global observance of the 50th anniversary, the Dreamkeepers Program events will help us address the still relevant challenge of creating a more just society through nonviolent activism.” Historic Site Superintendent Judy Forte added, “The National Park Service and the King Historic Site are delighted to co-sponsor and co-host this observance of the 49th anniversary of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. It’s fitting that the home of America’s foremost advocate of nonviolent social reform plays a leadership role in commemorating this pivotal milestone of America’s history.” Highlights of the program include:

Friday and Saturday, August 24th and 25th – Beginning at 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 a.m., Sat., eighty Atlanta-area college and university students will stay overnight in tents at green space in the MLK national Historic Site and participate in three “Fireside Chats.” The themes for the three Fireside Chats will include: “The Dream 50 years later – A Conversation with Congressman John Lewis,” with 11-Alive Anchor Karyn Greer moderating; “Overcoming Racial Disparities and How Media/Entertainment Shape Our Social Consciousness Around Violence,” moderated by UGA graduate student Joseph E. Jones; and “Have Mercy: Dr. King’s Clarion Call to Hip Hop’s Good Life,” moderated by Dr. Kendra King Momon, associate professor of politics and director, Rich Foundation Urban Leadership Program, Oglethorpe University. The program will also include a screening of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech and a clip of “King, Jr.: Man of Peace in a Time of War,” featuring an inspiring interview with Dr. King, in which he addresses the international dimensions of his philosophy of nonviolence, with compelling eloquence. Dinner, breakfast and camping equipment will be provided. Camper registration fee: $10. The program will be live-streamed on www.BeAKingTV.com.

Saturday, August 25th – The ‘Dreamkeepers Expo and Showcase,’ from 11:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Gymnasium, will spotlight more than 25 diverse community and public service organizations, which are making significant contributions to fulfilling Dr. King’s dream in issue areas including: community and economic development; health; the environment; housing; social policy; media and entertainment; and international understanding. The program will be hosted by Carmen L. Coya, president of the Effective Media Company, and it will also include special guests, performances, prizes and a drawing, with gifts valued at $200-$500. Organizations showcasing their contributions to fulfilling Dr. King’s dream include: the Georgia Coalition of Black Women; the Latin American Chamber of Commerce; the Metro Atlanta Violence Prevention Partnership; the Sickle Cell Foundation; the Captain Planet Foundation; UNICEF Georgia; WRFG Radio; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; the League of Women Voters; Capital Records & EMI Group; Start Strong Atlanta and others. Free of charge, open to the public.

Tuesday, August 28th – From 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., the Georgia state capitol will host a “Commemorative Conversation with Georgia Civil Rights Legends” including Dr. Joseph Lowery and others, presented by The Martin Luther King, Jr. Advisory Council, established by the state of Georgia. Atlanta Daily World publisher and commentator Alexis Scott will serve as the moderator.

Also on Tuesday the 28th from 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.– The King Center, along with the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site and Ebenezer Baptist Church will screen “Walking with Guns,” a production of “Andrew Young Presents” in Ebenezer Baptist Church’s Horizon Sanctuary, as the opening feature of the Dreamkeeper Film Series. The film tells the true story of how the life of Hip Hop superstar Clifford “T.I.” Harris changed as a result of his arrest on gun charges, and subsequent dialogue with and guidance of Ambassador Andrew Young, who worked closely with Dr. King as a top aide. T.I will participate in a discussion about the film and related issues immediately following the screening.